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Obituary for
Madeline Cox

Madeline Mary (Galia) Cox
August 28, 1926—January 17, 2018

The world lost an inspiring and impassioned teacher, mother, and grandmother with a zest for life when
Madeline Mary (Galia) Cox of Footville, Wisconsin (formerly of Roscoe, Illinois; Troy, Michigan; and Garden City,
Michigan) passed peacefully on January 17. She was born Maria Magdalena Galia to Sicilian immigrants on
August 28, 1926 in Detroit. She was the first and only member of her family to attend college, proudly earning
both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wayne State University in Business Education by the age of 23.
She taught in various high schools in the Detroit Public Schools for several years before meeting and marrying
her life partner, Dr. Gerald Cox, also a high school teacher. Madeline continued to enthusiastically teach at
Wayne Westland Community College and Schoolcraft College in the Detroit metropolitan area while raising four
children. Her zeal for teaching spanned her long career until she retired from Ford Motor Company at the age of
80, where she taught in their adult education enhancement program. Madeline loved the cultural arts,
especially classical music and ballet. When faced with adversity, she modeled her signature perseverance,
grace, strength, and optimism.
She was especially proud of her children’s educational and professional achievements and community
contributions. She beamed when talking about her beloved grandchildren and was always eager to hear of their
pursuits and adventures. She was known for her deep love of life and abiding encouragement of others. Ever
the teacher, she continued to share lessons with those caring for her, right up through her final breaths.
She will be profoundly missed by those she touched and whom loved her dearly. Survivors include her children
Dr. David Cox (Jill Perry), Dr. Gail (Cox) Fairhall (Rick Bacchi), Keith Cox (Beth Gebeloff), and Dr. Suzanne Cox
(Jeffrey Eno); cherished grandchildren Dr. Lydia Cox, Emily Cox, Adam Eno, Andrew Cox, Ethan Eno, Joseph Cox,
Aidan Eno, Jessica Cox, and Juliana Eno; treasured sister Rose (Galia) Conrady; and numerous nieces and
nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 55 years, Dr. Gerald Cox, infant sister Rose Galia,
sister Lena (Galia) Paglione, and parents Antonio and Maria (Musico) Galia.
The family thanks Dr. Steven Diamond for his compassionate care and the staff at NorthPointe Terrace, St.
Elizabeth Manor, Beloit Regional Hospice, and Heartland Hospice. Multiple celebrations will honor her life and
legacy and a private memorial service is planned. Memorial contributions can be made to Family Services of
Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois www.statelinefamilyservices.org